Examining barriers for the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models in developing countries: Ghanaian quantity surveyors’ perspectives
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 6 November 2018
Issue publication date: 27 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Cost estimation model serves as a framework for forecasting the probable cost of proposed construction projects. It can be classified either as traditional or non-traditional depending on the cost variables formulation. However, in the building industry, quantity surveyors traditionally estimate the initial cost of building projects using the traditional models, which have been criticized overtime for its inaccuracies. This paper therefore aims to examine barriers for the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models.
Design/methodology/approach
By using a questionnaire survey, respondents were invited to rate their level of agreement on 23 barriers identified from literature and interview (expert’s opinion).
Findings
Based on factor analysis inefficient techniques, perceptions of model techniques, unavailability of cost data and lack of understanding and unstable economic conditions were identified as barriers to the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models.
Practical/implications
Findings demonstrate that there is need for quantity surveyors to get adapted to utilization of non-traditional cost models which offers better accuracies than the traditional approaches in their quest to improve their professional practices.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates that there are barriers to the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models in the Ghanaian construction industry, as evident of this will help in policy formulation for the improvement cost estimating practices.
Keywords
Citation
Agyekum, B., Kissi, E., Yamoah Agyemang, D. and Badu, E. (2018), "Examining barriers for the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models in developing countries: Ghanaian quantity surveyors’ perspectives", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 814-827. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-02-2018-0021
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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